Ruggles and Wightman to perform Vivaldi
MILFORD The Church of the Good Shepherd & St. John the Evangelist is hosting a very special Easter Concert this year, Saturday, Apr. 18, at 7 p.m., with a one-time performance of the Gloria in D, RV 589 by Antonio Vivaldi. What makes this performance special is the merging of professional and aspiring musicians from the tri-state area in the formation of the chorus and orchestra. Nationally known featured soloists for this concert performance include Patricia Ruggles, mezzo-soprano, Adista Wightman, soprano, Annelie Fahlstedt, violin, Thomas Hines, oboe, and Ilizabeth Cabrera, cello. Conducting this performance will be Jeffrey Fornoff, Director of Music at the Milford United Methodist Church. As a professional mezzo-soprano, Ruggles has focused her singing career to reflect her love of oratorio, song, and contemporary music. She has been the alto soloist in various oratorios ranging from Bach’s St. John Passion to Wayne Walter’s newly composed Requiem. Ms. Ruggles has presented several solo recitals in Manhattan including concerts dedicated to Copland and Purcell and contemporary composer, Paul Zeigler. She is a member of Seraphim, a New York City based professional chamber choir, who had the honor of participating in several masses on 9/11 anniversaries at St. Peters Church near the World Trade Center site. As a professional soprano, Wightman has performed in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kirby Center with a variety of well-known musicians and directors. She has been the principal soloist in collaboration with many choral groups in the tri-state area and is currently providing private instruction. As Director of Music at the Milford United Methodist Church, Fornoff has recently completed a two-year course of study in the Church Music Certificate Program at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. As a composer, he has been performed in both the US and in Europe with such groups as the Morris Choral Society. Fornoff is currently continuing his studies in voice and organ at Westminster Choir College. Tickets for the Vivaldi Easter Concert are $15 for adult, $13 for seniors, and $10 for students. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets and for additional information, please contact Jeffrey Fornoff at 570-267-8773.